First Program

At HCAS, we are proud to offer our First Program (elementary) students a diverse and well-rounded curriculum. Our core curriculum encompasses Language Arts, Drama, Dance, Math, Science and Social Studies. We also offer students an enriched curriculum in Art, Music, Physical Education, Computer Science, Education on Morals/Ethics, and Health Education. Home room teachers often collaborate with specials teachers to further integrate subject knowledge. English is our primary language of instruction; however, students take daily courses in Chinese as well. Fourth Grade students do one lab per week to prepare them for the transition for Middle School. In addition to the curriculum, students are also offered a wide variety of daily extracurricular activities.

Our highly competent and talented faculty and staff work together to organize school events such as field trips, contests, and fairs. They work hard to make holidays come alive through themed activities. We also collaborate with parents through ongoing communication, so we can ensure that every child’s needs are met as they progress through their education.

It is important for us that our students look forward to coming to school every day. We recognize the importance of fostering a positive learning environment where our students can develop a love for learning that they will carry for the rest of their lives. We understand that children learn in different ways and at different paces, and we strive to accommodate the needs of individual students. Our faculty and staff are dedicated to assuring that each and every student feels comfortable as part of a learning community where he/she can grow physically, emotionally, socially and intellectually. Every class is encouraged to have their own sense of classroom community, and to be part of the greater school and local communities. Students regularly work in groups to develop a strong foundation of communication and problem-solving skills needed for an ever-changing world in the 21st century. Most importantly, our students are encouraged to become independent and inquisitive learners, as they prepare for education beyond the First Program.